On Media

National Journal managing editor Kristin Roberts resigns amid changes

By HADAS GOLD

07/16/2015 10:01 PM EDT

National Journal managing editor Kristin Roberts has informed staff that she is leaving the company in the wake of Atlantic Media's decision to shutter the weekly magazine, the On Media blog has learned.

Roberts, who runs the newsroom, is leaving on her own accord.

Bradley announced Thursday afternoon that he would be suspending publication of the magazine, ending its 46-year run in print. Bradley took full responsibility for the decision and for the impending newsroom cuts, attributing it to his own failed leadership.

Roberts' departure was announced at an all-staff meeting, where Bradley addressed the newsroom, that sources at the magazine described as "a funeral" and "a wake." Bradley did not stay to answer staff questions, leaving that to job to editor-in-chief Tim Grieve and Timothy Hartman, CEO of National Journal group, though he did inform staff that they would be given the day off on Friday.

Grieve will stay with the publication through the transition, but is currently weighing his options, sources there said.

"If Grieve is leaving, I can confidentially say, basically everyone is out and looking," one staffer said. “Everyone is loyal to him in the newsroom."

According to one staffer, Bradley told staff during Thursday's meeting that the cuts might give them time for other opportunities.

"Who knows, maybe this is a good time for people," he said, according to the staffer. "Maybe you want to write a book or you wanted to work part-time or you want to take a year to tour Europe."

UPDATE (8:55a.m.):

In an email, Roberts expanded on her decision to step down:

"I have loved working here, with a group of talented people I care for and respect. Having been through restructurings before, I decided to step away so that I can focus on editing and managing, and to make space for another manager, who is eager to lead the next iteration of National Journal," Roberts said. "My decision has nothing to do with my level of trust in David Bradley's ability to run his company. David has decided what he wants from National Journal, and with that clarity and a new set of goals, I am quite sure the whole team will deliver."